Ile Ife in Osun State Nigeria continues to hold on to its cultural relevance as seen in its annual festival Olojo.

The Olojo festival is a must to see for all cultural enthusiasts.Over the last few years, the festival has drawn tourists from all over the Yoruba diaspora including Brazil, United States of America and Cuba.

Chief Egbeji Elesinje of Ife on his way to the Ooni`s palace to pay homage.

The climax of the festival takes place at Enuwa Square outside the grand palace of the the Oòni (King) of Ife-counted first among Yoruba kings.

The clock Tower in Enuwa Square outside the Ooni`s palace in Ile-Ife where the celebrations take place.

Why Is Olojo Celebrated?

Olojo is celebrated in remembrance of Ogun– the Yoruba mythological god of Iron. Ogun was the first son of Oduduwa, the legendary father of all Yoruba people.

A bronze sculpture depicting Oduduwa

Ogun is a fiery god worshiped and revered by many indigenes of Ile Ife including farmers, blacksmiths hunters, and smelters who all traditionally make their living using iron implements.

Iron implemets used by traditional artisans in Ile-Ife

Traditional Rites

The exact date and timing of the festival is one that is considered carefully and depends on the movement of the sun from west to east in the 9th month of the lunar year.

The Ooni with his entourage

The decision as to which weekend in October will be the weekend of celebration is the sole responsibility of the Olojo chief priest.

As part of the build up to the grand celebrations, the Oòni hibernates for seven days in complete seclusion, not communicating with anyone except the ‘spirits’.

During the festival and only for a few hours, the Oòni appears, wearing a special beaded crown called “ Ade Are” .

Ile Ife traditional ceremonial crown of the Ooni

He leads the crowds to Ogun`s Shrine- Okemogun to pay homage and make traditional sacrifices and prayers for the town and it`s indigenes.

shrine of the god of Iron – Ogun- Oke mogun

The Lokolokos

One of the most fascinating sights at the Olojo festival are the Lokolokos. These are the bodyguards of the Oòni who get a chance show off their prowess and fierce demeanor during the festival.

They run up and down in the centre of the town square brandishing long canes to remind young men in the crowd to “behave”.

The Lokolokos are strong, fierce and loyal to the Ooni.

The Lokolokos thrill the crowd and quite honestly bring an added element of drama to the event.

Many women groups came out to celebrate- each group in its matching outfits.

Olojo festival is full of colour, pomp and ceremony.

Groups of traditional craftsmen and women, Ile-Ife chiefs and their court, children and grand children of the royal families all troop in with music, gunfire and full traditional dress to mark the day of celebration.

It is a proud day Ile-Ife indigenes. They come out in strong numbers to pay homage to the Ooni in his palace.

It is a day not to be missed if you have an interest in Yoruba culture or traditional ways of celebrating ethnic and cultural identity around the world.